Expert Opinion
AINsight: Update on FAA Policies During the Pandemic
The FAA’s medical policies during the Covid-19 pandemic remain a moving target, but with vaccines we can see the light at the end of the tunnel.

The FAA’s medical policies during the Covid-19 pandemic remain a moving target. We are all continuing to learn more about the virus on a daily basis, and hence policies and protocols get amended from time to time.

Though the FAA has put out a small number of formal policies in written form, beyond that pilots and aviation medical examiners (AMEs) are asked to use reasonable judgment. FAR 61.53 remains in effect at all times—pilots must self-assess on a day-to-day basis whether they are airworthy or not.

Robert Sancetta, M.D.
AIN Contributor
About the author

Dr. Robert Sancetta is a former DC-10 captain with 11,000 flight hours. He has worked as a Senior AME since 1993 and is appointed as AME Consultant to the FAA Federal Air Surgeon.

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